HISTORY IN NATIONAL SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9490, 20 April 1894, Page 5

HISTORY IN NATIONAL SCHOOLS.

In consequence of an advertisement inserted by Mrs. Charles Dunlop (author of the New Zealand History in use in the State school?) in our yesterday's issue inviting all those interested in the subject to meet her at four p.m. at 304, Victoria Arcade, yesterday afternoon, there was a meeting at that hour. In addition to Mrs. Charles Dunlop, there were amongst those present Mrs, 0. M. Nelson and Mrs. Duffy, and the Keys. Canon Nelson, Joseph Bates, and L, FitzGerald, Mr. H. Worbhington, and Dr. Laisliley. Dr. McArthur sent a letter of regret at nob being able to be present. On the motion: of the Rev, Canon Nelson, seconded by the Rev, L, FinGerald, Dr. Laishley was invited bo take the chair. Mrs. Dunlop, at the chairman's request, then made a statement of her reasons for calling the meeting, pointing oub the ominous resolutions in the report) of the conference of school inspectors (recently held ab Wellington), and suggesting what measures should be taken bo oounberaob the report. She expressed her regret thab she would havo to return bo Qisbome to-day, bub stated the hops bhab her action in calling bhe meeting might induce others to take steps in the matter. The Chairman pointed oub thab history was a statutory subject, which could nob be waived by inspectors or teachers, except by legislative enactment, although it was an optional subject so far as the children were concerned, and expressed the doubt whether the great majority of the public have any I idea of the significance or value of teaching history in the State schools. After some discussion, the following resolution was unanimously passed, on the motion of bhe Rev. Canon Nelson, seconded by Mrs. Duffy " Thab bhe following persons resolve ■ themselves into a committee (with power to add to their number), to watch proceeding with reference to the proposed elimination of the subject of history from the beaching of the primary schools, and if ib be deemed expedient to interview the Minister of Education on the matter, and to take such other steps as to them may seem desirable, namely, Dr. Laishley, the Revs. Canon Nelson, G. Mac Murray, and L. FitzGerald, Dr. McArthur, Mr. H. Worthington, and Mesdames Daldy and Duffy." _ , Ab the suggestion of Dr. Laishley, the Rev. Canon Nelson was requested to act as conveners of the committee, and he